9/11 Victim Compensation Fund in Danger of Running Out of Money

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Posted: February 27, 2019

Tragically, the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund will be cutting remaining payouts by as much as 70 percent for some claimants. The Fund has already granted tens of thousands of awards, and still has tens of thousands more pending. In fact, NPR reports a recent surge in people applying to the fund.

The VCF has paid out about $5 billion of its roughly $7.3 billion funding authorized by Congress, according to NBC News. The $5 billion in compensation was awarded to about 21,000 people and there are about 19,000 additional, unpaid claims to address, according to NPR. The VCF says, in light of dwindling money, pending claims will get paid out at 50 percent of their previous value. Any claims processed after this past February 1 will get paid out at a mere 30 percent of their previous value.

"Never Forget the Heroes" Bill Considered By Congress

This bill could have the effect of a "permanent" funding reauthorization. It would fund the VCF through the year 2090, which would make it last as long as the World Trade Center Health Program, which provides medical care to eligible claimants. By 2090, based on age, one would assumes that very few people if any would continue to be affected by 9/11-related illnesses or death of family members who were sickened.

The bill is supported by numerous members of Congress. The bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-NY12, and in the Senate by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y.

Comedian, entertainer and former "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart is a passionate advocate of the VCF. He lobbied Congress in 2015 to renew the bill – he and many others led the charge, including John Feal, a first responder and founder of the FealGood Foundation. Together, this dedicated group pushed Congress to renew the VCF, which resulted in the current funding through 2020. But now Congress needs to act again and permanently fund it.

What You Should Do If You Think You May Qualify for Compensation

Don't put the brakes on the process in light of this news. It remains to be seen whether the VCF will be renewed. Call our attorneys to find out if you're eligible and what you should do to apply. There may still be compensation awards available to first responders and survivors who have developed cancer, respiratory illnesses or other qualifying diseases related to their proximity to lower Manhattan on 9/11/2001, or their presence at the Pentagon or Shanksville, PA, crash sites.

At Eisbrouch Marsh, we have been filing these claims for years now. We're happy to review the details of your situation for free, no obligation involved. Our experienced lawyers will let you know what your options are.

Many cancers have long latency periods, so the toxic dust cloud that blanketed New York on 9/11 will continue to sicken and kill people in the years ahead. Unfortunately, certain people will receive unexpected diagnoses related to the terrorist attack 17 years ago. If you or a family member has a related illness, you deserve full, complete, fair compensation and proper medical care.

For your complimentary case evaluation with our experienced New York and New Jersey lawyers, please call Eisbrouch Marsh, LLC. You can reach our Hackensack and Newark law office by calling 201-342-5545, and call us in New York City at 212-643-0044.

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